Represent Interview: Babazeka.com
Thanks to Twitter (do you follow Editorista’s tweets? http://twitter.com/sisiwami )Represent was introduced to a ‘socially aware online store’ recently called Babazeka that sells a range of colourful South African handmade goods, supporting numerous craftspeople throughout the country. The shopping bug immediately kicked in and we of course needed to know more. We chatted to Sarah, the lady that makes it all happen. (Crafters, find out how to get in touch with her below) We love your website Babazeka, please tell us what your inspiration for creating Babazeka is? What does Babazeka mean and where did the name come from? Babazeka was created for a few reasons. One, I moved to a small town (Knysna) and realised pretty quickly if I wanted to be truly happy in my career, I would need to start my own business doing what I enjoy (as opposed to the jobs the town had to offer). Two, I’ve always loved making things by hand – my favourite hobby is sewing. Three, I’m one of those people who has just always had the urge to help others. So, after chatting with lots of people, I put it all together, and agreed with my cousin, Scott, to set up an online store which would sell handmade things made by job creation projects. Scott developed the site and helps me with the online marketing, pretty much everything else is up to me. The word Babazeka is zulu, and means “be beautiful” or “be admirable”. I found it in an online dictionary, got all excited about how suitable the meaning was to what we were doing, and then got even more excited when the .com was available. (It’s VERY difficult to find available .com’s) What is your background? What is your backstory? Where did you grow up? I grew up in Joburg, and studied Business Science Marketing at UCT. I always thought that I’d go into advertising, but after travelling around the world for 3 years, I figured out quite a bit more about myself and realised that the advertising industry is definitely not where I belong. I’m just not a corporate or big city girl. Moving back to South Africa and to Knysna, is where everything was put into perspective for me. I knew immediately that I wanted to be a South African who helps the country in my own little way, that it’s not all about money and that it is all about quality of life. How are you finding online sales in SA, are people trusting of the system? Do you have much interest from overseas clients? Our sales are growing steadily which is the most...
African Arts & Crafts in Newtown
A new home for the Zasekhaya Market in Newtown, downtown Jozi, do your bit for African Arts and Crafts and enjoy what Newtown has to offer: As a result of its growing popularity, the monthly Zasekhaya Market is moving to a new location at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown from Saturday, 31 May 2008.Formerly housed at the Bus Factory, from this weekend the market will take up residence at its new home near the Market Theatre. The market is expanding at a rapid rate, and the square will afford it the space it requires for its exhibitors’ extensive range of high-quality, original and innovative homegrown items. The Zasekhaya Market is not your average flea market. A cut above the rest, it specialises in indigenous, hand-crafted wares ranging from fashion and décor to artworks and jewellery. In attendance this weekend are crafters who fashion attractive items out of recycled products such as wire, paper, tin and plastic bags. Also check out stalls featuring beadwork, embroidery and mosaics; as well as pottery, traditional cloths, raffia and woolen shoes, and many more creative delights. They include crafters who have attended the Urban Spirits VACA training programme which was made possible by funding from the Lotto Enjoy an all-round sensory experience at the various stalls, while taking time out for a snack or to admire your purchases at one of the coffee ships. The Zasekhaya Market epitomises creativity at work, so support African arts and crafts with an original twist, and head down to Mary Fitzgerald Square on Saturday between 10am and 4pm. Secure parking is available around the square or at the Market Theatre complex. The next Zasekhaya Market, which takes place on the last Saturday of every month, will be held on 28 June. For more information, and to enquire about booking stalls, phone Eunice at (011) 833-3329, or e-mail katherinec1@telkomsa.net or...
We will be back!
